10 Moments in Gay Media History (VIDEO)

On Dec. 8 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments for why video of 2010's historic Proposition 8 trial should be made public. A U.S. District Court ruled in September that "no compelling reasons exist" not to allow public access to the recordings. If common sense prevails, they will end up on the Internet before too long. There they will join a growing catalogue of prominent moments in gay history captured on video. Here, I have chosen 10 to share with you. If these videos fail to move and inspire you, please ask someone you trust to check your pulse. You may be dead.

PHOTO GALLERY

BEFORE YOU GO

10 Moments in Gay History (VIDEO)

PHOTO GALLERY

10 Moments in Gay History (VIDEO)

10 Moments in Gay Media History (VIDEO)

10 Moments in Gay History (VIDEO)

10 Moments in Gay History (VIDEO)

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10. Dustin Lance Black's Oscar Acceptance Speech (2009)

On Feb. 22, 2009, <em>Milk</em>, the film about gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, won Oscars for Sean Penn, for Best Actor, and Dustin Lance Black, for Best Original Screenplay. Thirty-seven million Americans watched the ceremony. Black's acceptance speech still brings a lump to my throat: If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches, or by the government, or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours.